Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo instructs his team in the first half of a second-round game against Kansas in the men's NCAA college basketball tournament in Tulsa, Okla., Sunday, March 19, 2017. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Two Cinderella stories would have been better than one for this state, especially considering the possibility Michigan and Michigan State could have met in the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament.

But as is, only Michigan will be carrying the torch.

But it’s a great story for the Wolverines. Their win over Louisville Sunday was well-earned by a classic NCAA tourney storybook squad peaking at just the right time.

The Spartans had a tougher task, falling to a No.1 seed Kansas.

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The most impressive aspect of this Michigan victory was the versatility the Wolverines displayed.

They didn’t shoot well - just 6-of-17 from 3-point range. Louisville’s press and pressure defense on the perimeter did bother Michigan during the first half.

But Michigan adjusted. Instead of just shooting the ball outside with a hand in the face, the Wolverines started driving to the basket. Moe Wagner, who was spectacular Sunday, did do much of his damage in the paint.

It was not a coincidence arguably the two biggest shots Michigan converted late in the game were drives to the hoop by Wagner and Derrick Walton Jr. The drive from Wagner came after a nifty ball fake.

Michigan also handled Louisville’s vaunted pressure “D.” It’s because Walton is a very good point guard, and the Wolverines’ bigger players handle the ball well. That is particularly true of D.J. Wilson. He can also hit free throws, which he did in clutch situations down the stretch Sunday.

When it gets to this point of the tournament, it’s difficult to assess a team’s ceiling. Some years, it might be low for a squad like Michigan. But this season, it’s a bit more open. There is no dominant team in college basketball. There is a bit more of an, “Anything can happen” element to the tournament.

It often gets back to coaching. John Beilein has his share of detractors for letting games get away late, most recently following a regular season loss at Northwestern.

But his teams generally handle the basic elements well, such as dealing well with the press. They also tend to display gradual improvement from players individually. Just look how much better Wagner is than he was last season, and even early this one. Wilson is another example. So is how Walton Jr. has emerged as an outstanding senior leader at point guard.

It was mostly a disappointing season for the Spartans, but getting a victory over an ACC squad, Miami, in the NCAA was a good moment. Kansas just overwhelmed the Spartans eventually on Sunday.

How valuable this season is depends on how the freshman nucleus MSU has coming back next season develops because of it.

Often future success is forged from past struggles. Will it be that way for Cassius Winston, Nick Ward and Joshua Langford? Miles Bridges will likely be in the NBA.

Don’t be surprised if the Spartans grow greatly from this experience. Tom Izzo is a terrific coach. This wasn’t one of his better teams, but his program is as strong as ever. The future is bright.

But in the meantime, the Spartans will have to live with the pain of it being Michigan’s year.